Former Fresno County Clerk and longtime attorney Victor Salazar was appointed to the Commission on Judicial Performance this week by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Salazar, 73, brings a wealth of legal experience to the position.

San Joaquin College of Law Graduate

He was managing attorney at Central California Legal Services from 1998 to 2001 and an attorney at Forrest and McLaughlin from 1997 to 1998.

The San Joaquin College of Law graduate also was assistant general counsel at the Agricultural Labor Relations Board from 1995 to 1997 and staff counsel for the Department of Fair Employment and Housing from 1993 to 1995.

Salazar is a member of the State Bar Pro Bono Program. He is a member of the board of directors for Poverello House Inc., Proteus Inc., and the Central California Employment Round Table.

Commission Oversees Discipline of Judges

The Commission on Judicial Performance is an independent state agency that investigates complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity, and determines discipline for judges.

The commission’s jurisdiction includes all judges of California’s superior courts and the justices of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The commission additionally has jurisdiction over former judges for conduct prior to retirement or resignation.

The position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Salazar is a Democrat.

Salazar served three terms Fresno County clerk (2001-2012) but decided not to run for a fourth term.